When it comes to roofing, you want a company that is reliable and trustworthy. You also want a company that will not only give you a great product but also provides excellent customer service.
This article contains the top 10 questions you should ask when choosing a roofing company, along with tips on how to select one that is right for your needs.
Table of contents
How can I find a reputable roofing contractor?
To find a reputable roofing contractor, you should ask for recommendations from friends and family, check online reviews, verify their licensing and insurance, get multiple quotes, and check their references. I recommend you do your research and due diligence to ensure the contractor is reputable and their work is of good quality.
How should you choose a roofing contractor?
When choosing a roofing contractor, consider the following key points:
Professionalism and expertise
A professional contractor should have the necessary skills and experience to handle your roofing needs. They should also be able to provide you with a detailed estimate and answer any questions you may have about the work. However, expertise alone does not guarantee a good job, so look for other factors.
Warranty and quality workmanship
A reputable contractor should offer a warranty on their work. This will give you peace of mind knowing that if anything goes wrong, the contractor will fix it. Quality workmanship is also important, as it ensures that the work will be done to a high standard and that the roof will last.
Responsiveness to customer needs
A good contractor should be responsive to your needs and be willing to work with you to find a solution that meets your requirements. They should also keep you updated on the progress of the work and be available to answer any questions you may have.
Wide range of services and products
A contractor who can offer a wide range of services and products will be able to handle any roofing needs you may have. This will save you the time and hassle of having to find multiple contractors for different types of work.
Cost-effectiveness
You want to make sure you’re getting a fair price for the work that’s being done. A contractor who is cost-effective will be able to provide you with a high-quality service at a reasonable price.
Timely and efficient service
Time is of the essence when it comes to roofing work, especially if your roof is leaking. A contractor who can provide a timely and efficient service will be able to get the work done quickly and minimize any damage.
Safety standards certified
Roofing work can be dangerous, so you’ll need to make sure that the contractor is certified in safety standards. This will ensure that the work is done safely and that you, your property and the contractor’s team are protected
Ability to handle complex roofing projects
If your roof has a unique design or requires complex work, it’s important to choose a contractor who has the experience and capability to handle these projects.
Word-of-mouth and customer referrals
Personal recommendations and reviews from other customers can be very useful in finding a reliable and reputable contractor.
Credentials and reliability
Make sure to check the contractor’s credentials and reliability, such as licenses, insurance, certifications, and the Better Business Bureau rating. Websites like Angie’s List, HomeAdvisor, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) allow you to see customer reviews and ratings of contractors in your area. This will ensure that the contractor is qualified and trustworthy.
What questions should you ask before hiring a roofing company?
When hiring a roofing company, you need to ask the following questions to ensure that you are choosing a reputable and qualified contractor:
1. What qualifications should I look for in a roofing company?
Look for a roofing company that is licensed and insured, has the necessary certifications, and has a good reputation in the industry.
2. What type of guarantee/warranty does the roofing company offer?
A good roofing company should offer a warranty on their work to ensure that any defects will be corrected in a timely manner.
3. What is the roofing company’s experience and reputation?
You should ask about the company’s experience and reputation in the industry. Look for reviews and ask for references from previous customers.
4. Does the roofing company have liability insurance?
Choose a roofing company that has liability insurance to protect you and the contractor in case of accidents or damage.
5. How does the roofing company handle safety and health concerns?
Safety should be a top priority when working on a roofing project, so you should ask about the company’s safety protocols and certifications.
6. Does the roofing company use quality materials?
The quality of the materials used can affect the longevity and durability of your roof. Make sure to ask what materials the company uses and if they have any certifications or quality assurance programs.
7. What type of roofing system does the company specialize in?
Some companies may specialize in certain types of roofs, such as flat roofs or metal roofs. Make sure the company you choose has experience with the type of roof you have or want.
8. What kind of customer service does the roofing company provide?
The company should be willing to answer any questions you have and provide you with a detailed estimate of the work to be done. They should also keep you updated on the progress of the work and be available to answer any questions you may have.
9. How does the roofing company handle roof installation and repair?
Ask about the company’s process for installing and repairing roofs. This will give you an idea of how the work will be done and how long it will take.
10. Does the roofing company have a financing option available?
If you can’t pay for the work all at once, ask the company if there are ways to pay over time. This will allow you to pay for the work over time.
How to find the best roofing contractor for your project
When looking for the best roofing contractor for your project, follow these steps:
Step 1: Research common roofing projects and decide what you need
You must understand what type of roofing project you require and what materials will be required. This will help you determine what qualifications a contractor should have and what type of work you should expect.
Step 2: Look for reliable referrals
Ask your friends, family, and neighbors if they know of any reputable roofing contractors. Personal recommendations can be a great way to find a reliable contractor.
Step 3: Check out the contractor’s licensing and credentials
Make sure the contractor is licensed and insured. This will protect you and the contractor in case of accidents or damage. Check the contractor’s certifications and make sure they have the necessary credentials in the roofing industry.
Step 4: Check out their experiences in similar projects
A contractor who has experience with similar projects will be able to handle your roofing needs and provide high-quality service.
Step 5: Ask about workmanship warranties
A good contractor should offer a warranty on their work. This will give you peace of mind knowing that if anything goes wrong, the contractor will fix it.
Step 6: Choose a roofer with on-site project management
A contractor with on-site project management will be able to oversee the work and ensure that it is done to a high standard.
Step 7: Get it in writing
Make sure to get a detailed estimate and contract in writing. This will ensure that you understand the scope of the work, the materials to be used, and the cost.
Step 8: Choose a contractor with licenses and relevant knowledge of materials
It’s important to choose a contractor who has the right licenses and knows how to work with different materials. This will ensure that the work is done properly and that you are satisfied with the end result.
Step 9: Verify permits have been obtained, if necessary
Some roofing projects may require permits. Make sure the contractor has all the necessary licenses and that the work is being done according to the rules in your area.
What type of liability insurance does the roofing contractor have?
A reputable roofing contractor should have both general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance. Depending on the contractor and state laws, the specific coverage may differ.
General liability insurance protects the contractor and the owner of the property from being held responsible for any injuries or damage to property that might happen during the project.
This type of insurance will cover any medical expenses, legal fees, and damages that may arise from an accident that occurs on your property during the time of the project.
It is important to have this kind of coverage because accidents can happen, and you don’t want to be held responsible for any medical bills or other expenses that may arise from an accident.
Ask your contractor for proof of insurance and make sure that the insurance is up-to-date and adequate for the job. You should also check the insurance company’s reputation. This way, you can ensure that you are protected and that the contractor’s employees are protected in case of an accident.
Can I ask the roofing contractor what type of shingles I want?
You can definitely ask your roofing contractor which type of shingles you want. After all, that is what you are paying them for.
When you are choosing shingles for your roof, there are many factors to consider: durability, longevity, color, and texture, among them. A roofing contractor can help you weigh all of these factors and come up with a solution that will be right for your home.
Beware of roofing contractors that do this
They don’t offer you proof of their license or insurance certificate.
Before hiring a roofing contractor, you should make sure they offer proof of their license and insurance certificate. Having one may be required by law in most major cities.
You should not be asked to pay anything upfront without this information. If they don’t have it or won’t provide it, then it’s best to look elsewhere for your services.
Some cities require the contractor to be listed as a contractor with the city
In some cases, the contractor will be listed as a contractor with the city as a requirement. If your contractor doesn’t have this, take it as a red flag. If you see this, it may be a sign that your contractor is not licensed properly or has been fined for their work before—or both!
Contractors that say they are endorsed by the city Cities don’t do this
Cities don’t endorse contractors. They don’t endorse products, services, or anything else. The only thing that a city might be able to tell you is how to find out if a contractor is licensed or insured (and even then, they probably won’t do it).
So why do these people say they’re endorsed by the city? It’s simple. They want you to think that they’re trustworthy and professional because their work is backed by an authority figure.
If the contractor asks you to get a building permit, it may indicate that they are not properly licensed
If the contractor asks you to get a building permit, it may indicate that the contractor is not properly licensed. Building permits are needed for new buildings and major renovations, like adding an addition or more rooms to your home. If you aren’t sure, check with your city’s building department.
If they can’t afford to be properly insured and bonded, it means that they’re cutting corners on safety measures in order to save money—and this will come back to bite them and potentially you when something goes wrong during installation or repairs, which could result in injury or property damage!
A roofing contractor who negotiates your insurance deductible
As a homeowner, you might want to talk to your insurance company about lowering your deductible. But your roofing contractor should not do this. Insurance companies have strict rules about how much the deductible should be and who should pay it.
They ask for payment upfront and will only accept cash.
You should always be wary of a contractor who asks for payment upfront. Sometimes this is because the contractor isn’t legitimate, and it is better to pay with a check or credit card so that you are protected if he or she scams you out of your money.
However, even if the roofer is legitimate, there could still be problems with asking for money before the job is complete. If a roofer does not do a good job on your roof and you want them to fix it, how can you tell whether they will come back and finish (or even start) the work?
The best way to avoid this situation is by finding out what other clients have experienced with this particular roofing company before signing anything or giving away any amount of your hard-earned cash!
Contractors that say you can save money by not getting a permit
There are many roofing contractors who will tell you that you don’t need to get a permit because you’re only doing some repair work or because it’s a small job. But the fact is that getting a permit is required by law and will help ensure that your roofing project is done right.
If you hire a contractor who follows all city rules, he will be responsible for any damage that happens while the job is being done. So if something does go wrong later on down the road due to his negligence in following code requirements, then he’ll have no grounds for denying responsibility for those damages, either legally or morally.
Other interesting articles:
- Is Roofing Covered by Home Insurance? (What to Look For and Tips to Prepare)
- Is Roofing Considered Carpentry or Contractor? (Similarities, Differences, and Which You Should Hire)
- What is a Roof Beam? (Definition, Types, and Differences of Beams)
- Do Roof Battens Need to Be Treated? (Why and How It’s Done Right!)
Author: Logan
I help people connect with businesses
